While the National Association of Realtors might be better known for its attorneys than any other professional group in its midst, it also has a chief economist, though he has stayed out of the headlines for the most part.

2. Powell says Fed will likely cut rates cautiously given persistent inflation pressures - Friday, November 15, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Chair Jerome Powell said Thursday that the Federal Reserve will likely cut its key interest rate slowly and deliberately in the coming months, in part because inflation has shown signs of persistence and the Fed's officials want to see where it heads next.

3. The number of American filing for jobless claims falls to lowest level in 6 months - Friday, November 15, 2024

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to their lowest level in six months last week as layoffs remain at relatively healthy levels.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claim applications fell by 4,000 to 217,000 for the week of Nov. 9. That's less than the 225,000 analysts forecast.

4. Top Federal Reserve official defends central bank's independence in wake of Trump win - Friday, November 15, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Federal Reserve official gave a lengthy defense of the central bank's political independence Thursday, just days after former President Donald Trump, an outspoken Fed critic, won re-election.

5. US inflation rose slightly last month after 2 years of steady cooling but remained low - Friday, November 8, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation in the United States ticked up in October, driven by costlier rents, used cars and air fares, a sign that price increases might be leveling off after having slowed in September to their lowest pace since 2021.

6. Biden funded new factories and infrastructure projects, Trump might get to cut the ribbons - Friday, November 8, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — All that's left is for President-elect Donald Trump to put his name on it — if he wants.

Trump won the White House in large part because of voters' frustration with high prices and a sense that the United States needs major changes. But when he enters office in January, Trump will inherit an economy primed for growth.

7. Most of Wall Street rises after the Fed cuts interest rates - Friday, November 8, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — Most U.S. stocks rose Thursday, as the Federal Reserve cut interest rates again to make things easier for the economy.

The S&P 500 climbed 0.7% to add to its surge from the day before following Donald Trump's presidential victory. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was virtually unchanged and edged down by less than a point, while the Nasdaq composite rallied 1.5%.

8. Slightly more American apply for unemployment benefits last week, but layoffs remain at low levels - Friday, November 8, 2024

The number of Americans applying for jobless aid ticked up last week but layoffs remain at historically low levels.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claim applications rose by 3,000 to 221,000 for the week of Nov. 2. That's fewer than the 227,000 analysts forecast.

9. Federal Reserve cuts its key interest rate by a quarter-point amid postelection uncertainty - Friday, November 8, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate Thursday by a quarter-point in response to the steady decline in the once-high inflation that had angered Americans and helped drive Donald Trump's presidential election victory this week.

10. Where to stash your cash as interest rates drop - Friday, November 8, 2024

Does holding cash still make sense amid this new monetary environment? Nervous consumers have long relied on cash during tumultuous times. Still, a recent Cardrates survey reveals 70% of Americans think the U.S. is becoming a cashless society. However, 77% don’t think it should be.

11. Federal Reserve is set to cut rates again while facing a hazy post-election outlook - Friday, November 1, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — No one knows how Tuesday's presidential election will turn out, but the Federal Reserve's move two days later is much easier to predict: With inflation continuing to cool, the Fed is set to cut interest rates for a second time this year.

12. US applications for jobless benefits fall as layoffs remain at historically healthy levels - Friday, November 1, 2024

Fewer Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week as layoffs remained at historically healthy levels despite elevated interest rates.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claim applications fell by 12,000 to 216,000 for the week of Oct. 26. That's fewer than the 227,000 analysts forecast.

13. Inflation gauge closely watched by the Fed falls to lowest level since early 2021 - Friday, November 1, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — As a presidential race profoundly shaped by Americans' frustration with high prices nears its end, the government said Thursday that an inflation gauge closely watched by the Federal Reserve has dropped to near pre-pandemic levels.

14. US applications for jobless benefits fall, but continuing claims rise to highest level since 2021 - Friday, October 25, 2024

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell last week, but the total number of those collecting benefits rose to its highest level in almost three years.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that applications for jobless claims fell by by 15,000 to 227,000 for the week of Oct. 19. That's less than the 241,000 analysts forecast.

15. US filings for jobless applications retreat back to recent ranges after big jump due to hurricanes - Friday, October 18, 2024

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits last week came back down to more recent ranges after a big jump the week before due to hurricanes in the Southeast.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that applications for jobless claims fell by by 19,000 to 241,000 for the week of Oct. 12. That's well below the 262,000 analysts were expecting.

16. Trump's economic plans would worsen inflation, experts say - Friday, October 11, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — With characteristic bravado, Donald Trump has vowed that if voters return him to the White House, "inflation will vanish completely."

It's a message tailored for Americans who are still exasperated by the jump in consumer prices that began 3 1/2 years ago.

17. JPMorgan net income falls as bank sets aside more money to cover potential bad loans - Friday, October 11, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — JPMorgan on Friday reported that its net income fell 2% in the third quarter as the bank had to set aside more money to cover bad loans.

Net income fell to $12.9 billion from $13.2 billion in the year-ago quarter. However, the New York bank's earnings per share rose to $4.37 from $4.33 because there are fewer outstanding shares in the latest quarter. That beat Wall Street analysts' forecasts, which called for a profit of $3.99 a share, according to FactSet.

18. US jobless claims hit 258,000, the most in a year. Analysts point to Hurricane Helene, Boeing strike - Friday, October 11, 2024

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits last week jumped to its highest level in a year, which analysts are saying is more likely a result of Hurricane Helene — and the Boeing machinist strike — than a broader softening in the labor market.

19. More Americans file for unemployment benefits last week, but layoffs remain historically low - Friday, October 4, 2024

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose modestly last week but remains at healthy levels.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that applications for jobless claims rose by 6,000 to 225,000 for the week of Sept. 28. It was slightly more than the 221,000 analysts were expecting.

20. 'The rules were you guys weren't going to fact-check": False, misleading claims from VP debate - Friday, September 27, 2024

FACT FOCUS: A look at false and misleading claims during the vice presidential debate

The Associated Press undefined

The vice presidential candidates, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance, on Tuesday engaged in a fast-moving, largely civil debate on a wide range of issues. Here's a look at some false and misleading claims from the debate.

21. Wall Street sets more records to close a winning September and third quarter - Friday, September 27, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street closed its latest winning month and quarter with more records on Monday. The drift higher for U.S. stocks followed a wild start to the week for financial markets in Asia, where Japanese stocks tumbled and Chinese indexes soared.

22. Fed Chair Powell says the US economy is in 'solid shape' with gradual rate cuts coming - Friday, September 27, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled Monday that more interest rate cuts are in the pipeline but suggested they would occur at a measured pace intended to support a still-healthy economy.

23. The number of Americans filing for jobless aid falls to lowest level in 4 months - Friday, September 27, 2024

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits last week fell to the lowest level in four months.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that applications for jobless claims fell by 4,000 to 218,000 for the week of Sept. 21. It was the fewest since mid-May and less than the 224,000 analysts were expecting. Last week's figure was revised up by 3,000.

24. Wall Street soars to records as Dow leaps 500 in a rate-cut rally that swept the world - Friday, September 20, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street romped to records Thursday as a delayed jubilation swept markets worldwide following the Federal Reserve's big cut to interest rates.

The S&P 500 jumped 1.7% for one of its best days of the year and topped its last all-time high set in July. The Dow Jones Industrial Average leaped 522 points, or 1.3%, to beat its own record set on Monday, and the Nasdaq composite led the market with a 2.5% spurt.

25. Biden says Fed made 'declaration of progress' with interest rate cut - Friday, September 20, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Thursday the Federal Reserve's decision to lower interest rates was "an important signal" that inflation has eased as he poked at Donald Trump's economic policies as a failure in the past and sure to "fail again" if revived.

26. Weekly applications for US jobless benefits fall to the lowest level in 4 months - Friday, September 20, 2024

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to their lowest level in four months last week.

Jobless claims slid by 12,000, to 219,000, for the week of Sept. 14, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That's fewer than economists' expectations for 230,000 new filings.

27. Most of Wall Street edges lower after Fed delivers a big cut to rates - Friday, September 13, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes edged lower Wednesday after the Federal Reserve kicked off its efforts to prevent a recession with a bigger-than-usual cut to interest rates.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.3% to pull 0.9% below its all-time high set in July. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 103 points, or 0.2%, though it remains close to its record set on Monday. The Nasdaq composite lost 0.3%.

28. Text of the policy statement the Federal Reserve released Wednesday - Friday, September 13, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Below is the statement the Federal Reserve released Wednesday after its latest policy meeting ended:

Recent indicators suggest that economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace. Job gains have slowed, and the unemployment rate has moved up but remains low. Inflation has made further progress toward the Committee's 2 percent objective but remains somewhat elevated.

29. The Federal Reserve is finally lowering rates. Here's what consumers should know - Friday, September 13, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark interest rate from its 23-year high, with consequences for debt, savings, auto loans, mortgages and other forms of borrowing by consumers and businesses.

30. Federal Reserve cuts key rate by sizable half-point, signaling end to its inflation fight - Friday, September 13, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve on Wednesday cut its benchmark interest rate by an unusually large half-point, a dramatic shift after more than two years of high rates that helped tame inflation but also made borrowing painfully expensive for American consumers.

31. Will the Federal Reserve cut interest rates fast enough to deliver a 'soft landing'? - Friday, September 13, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — American consumers and home buyers, business people and political leaders have been waiting for months for what the Federal Reserve is poised to announce this week: That it's cutting its key interest rate from a two-decade peak.

32. US filings for unemployment benefits inch up slightly but remain historically low - Friday, September 13, 2024

Slightly more Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, but layoffs remain at historically low levels despite two years of elevated interest rates.

Jobless claims rose by 2,000 to 230,000 for the week of Sept. 7, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That number matches the number of new filings that economists projected.

33. Fed official broke ethics rules but didn't violate insider trading laws, probe finds - Friday, September 13, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — A government investigation into Atlanta Federal Reserve President Raphael Bostic's securities trades and investments has found he violated several of the central bank's ethics policies.

34. US inflation reaches a 3-year low as Federal Reserve prepares to cut interest rates - Friday, September 6, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — The post-pandemic spike in U.S. inflation eased further last month as year-over-year price increases reached a three-year low, clearing the way for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates and likely shaping the economic debate in the final weeks of the presidential race.

35. Wall Street falls sharply to close its worst week in nearly 18 months - Friday, September 6, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — Another rout hit Wall Street Friday, with formerly high-flying technology stocks again taking the brunt, after a highly anticipated update on the U.S. job market came in weak enough to add to worries about the economy.

36. Sluggish US jobs report clears the way for Federal Reserve to cut interest rates - Friday, September 6, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hiring by America's employers picked up a bit in August from July's tepid pace, and the unemployment rate dipped for the first time since March in a sign that the job market may be cooling but remains sturdy.

37. Applications for US jobless benefits fall to 2-month low as layoffs remain at healthy levels - Friday, September 6, 2024

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell to its lowest level in two months last week, signaling that layoffs remain relatively low despite other signs of labor market cooling.

Jobless claims fell by 5,000 to 227,000 for the week of Aug. 31, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That's the fewest since the week of July 6, when 223,000 Americans filed claims. It's also less than the 230,000 new filings that analysts were expecting.

38. US job openings fall as demand for workers weakens - Friday, August 30, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — America's employers posted fewer job openings in July than they had the previous month, a sign that hiring could cool in the coming months.

The Labor Department reported Wednesday that there were 7.7 million open jobs in July, down from 7.9 million in June and the fewest since January 2021. Openings have fallen steadily this year, from nearly 8.8 million in January.

39. The Fed welcomes a 'soft landing' even if many Americans don't feel like cheering - Friday, August 30, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — When Jerome Powell delivered a high-profile speech last month, the Federal Reserve chair came the closest he ever had to declaring that the inflation surge that gripped the nation for three painful years was now essentially defeated.

40. Federal Reserve's favored inflation gauge shows price pressures easing as rate cuts near - Friday, August 30, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — An inflation measure closely tracked by the Federal Reserve remained low last month, extending a trend of cooling price increases that clears the way for the Fed to start cutting its key interest rate next month for the first time in 4 1/2 years.

41. US economic growth for last quarter is revised up to a solid 3% annual rate - Friday, August 30, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy grew last quarter at a healthy 3% annual pace, fueled by strong consumer spending and business investment, the government said Thursday in an upgrade of its initial assessment.

42. Fewer Americans file for jobless claims as US labor market continues to defy elevated interest rates - Friday, August 30, 2024

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell slightly last week as the U.S. labor market remains healthy in the face of high interest rates.

Jobless claims ticked down by 2,000 to 231,000 for the week of Aug. 24, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That's just below the 232,000 new filings analysts were expecting.

43. Wall Street rallies toward records after Fed says 'time has come' for rate cuts - Friday, August 23, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rallied close to their records Friday after the head of the Federal Reserve finally said out loud what Wall Street has been expecting for a while: Cuts to interest rates are coming soon to help the economy.

44. Takeaways from Fed Chair Powell's speech at Jackson Hole - Friday, August 23, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell all but proclaimed victory in the fight against inflation and signaled that interest rate cuts are coming in a much-anticipated speech Friday in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

45. Powell at Jackson Hole: 'The time has come' for the Fed to soon begin reducing interest rates - Friday, August 23, 2024

JACKSON, Wyoming (AP) — With inflation nearly defeated and the job market cooling, the Federal Reserve is prepared to start cutting its key interest rate from its current 23-year high, Chair Jerome Powell said Friday.

46. How fast will interest rates fall? Fed Chair Powell may provide clues in high-profile speech - Friday, August 23, 2024

JACKSON HOLE, Wyoming (AP) — With the Federal Reserve considered certain to start cutting its benchmark interest rate next month, Chair Jerome Powell's highly anticipated speech Friday morning at an economic conference will be closely watched for any hints about how many additional rate cuts might be in the pipeline.

47. Wall Street weakens ahead of a highly anticipated speech - Friday, August 23, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks weakened Thursday in the run-up to Wall Street's main event for the week, a speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell coming on Friday.

48. Wall Street's next big test is looming with Nvidia's profit report - Friday, August 23, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — How much hype is left in Nvidia's stock? Anyone with an S&P 500 index fund is hoping to get an answer to that weighty question next week.

Nvidia has ridden Wall Street's mania around artificial intelligence to become one of the stock market's most massive companies, with a total value topping $3 trillion. Real money has backed the rise, and tech companies keep gobbling up Nvidia's chips to train their AI models.

49. Wall Street pulls closer to records after retailers top profit forecasts - Friday, August 16, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks ticked higher Wednesday after more big companies delivered profit reports that topped analysts' expectations.

The S&P 500 rose 0.4% a day after breaking an eight-day winning streak, its longest of the year. The index is back to within 0.8% of its all-time high set last month.

50. Fed minutes: Most officials favored a rate cut in September if inflation continued to cool - Friday, August 16, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Federal Reserve officials agreed last month that they would likely cut their benchmark interest rate at their next meeting in September as long as inflation continued to cool.

51. The price of gold is at a record high. Here's why - Friday, August 16, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — A gold rush is here. The precious metal hit an all time high this week.

The spot price for gold closed Tuesday above $2,514, according to data from FactSet. That's the highest closing price recorded for the commodity to date. Here's what you need to know.

52. Wall Street slips and breaks an 8-day winning streak - Friday, August 16, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks ticked lower Tuesday and snapped an eight-day winning streak, the longest of the year.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.2%, but it's still just 1.2% below its all-time high set last month. It has roared back from its scary summer drop, where the index briefly dropped nearly 10% below its record.

53. Powell may use Jackson Hole speech to hint at how fast and how far the Fed could cut rates - Friday, August 16, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve officials have said they're increasingly confident that they've nearly tamed inflation. Now, it's the health of the job market that's starting to draw their concern.

54. Wall Street tacks on some more gains following its best week of the year - Friday, August 16, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks closed higher, tacking on some more gains following Wall Street's best week of the year.

The S&P 500 rose 1% Monday, coming within 1.1% of the all-time high it reached last month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite added 1.4%.

55. Wall Street closes its best week of the year with some more gains - Friday, August 16, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street coasted to the close of its best week since November, as U.S. stocks drifted a bit higher Friday.

The S&P 500 rose 0.2% for a seventh straight gain and pulled back within 2% of its all-time high set last month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 96 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.2%.

56. Top official says Federal Reserve can't risk being too late with rate cuts - Friday, August 9, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — A top Federal Reserve official warned Wednesday that the Fed needs to cut its key interest rate before the job market weakened further or it would risk moving too late and potentially imperil the economy.

57. Annual US inflation falls to 3-year low, clearing the way for the Fed to begin cutting rates - Friday, August 9, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Year-over-year inflation reached its lowest level in more than three years in July, the latest sign that the worst price spike in four decades is fading and setting up the Federal Reserve for an interest rate cut in September.

58. The Fed's high rates spur fear of slowdown, yet recession signals have so far proved wrong - Friday, August 2, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — The turmoil shaking global financial markets reflects a sudden fear that the Federal Reserve may have held its key interest rate too high for too long, heightening the risk of a U.S. recession.

59. Dow drops 600 on weak jobs data as a global sell-off whips back to Wall Street - Friday, August 2, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks tumbled Friday on worries the U.S. economy could be cracking under the weight of high interest rates meant to whip inflation.

The S&P 500 sank 1.8% for its first back-to-back losses of at least 1% since April. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 610 points, or 1.5%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 2.4% as a sell-off for stocks whipped all the way around the world back to Wall Street.

60. Unemployment rise spurs fears of slowdown, yet recession signals have been wrong — so far - Friday, August 2, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — A surprising rise in the U.S. unemployment rate last month has rattled financial markets and set off new worries about the threat of a recession — but it could also prove to be a false alarm.

61. US hiring fell sharply in July, an unexpected setback for the economy stoking recession fears - Friday, August 2, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy suffered an unexpected setback in July as hiring fell sharply and the unemployment rate rose for the fourth straight month with raised interest rates taking a toll on businesses and households.

62. Fed Chair Powell says September interest rate cut could be 'on the table' as inflation cools - Friday, August 2, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday set the stage for the central bank's first rate cut in four years, citing greater progress toward lower inflation as well as a cooler job market that no longer threatens to overheat the economy.

63. S&P 500 jumps to best day in 5 months as tech rebounds, rate cuts come into view - Friday, July 26, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — Big technology stocks bounced back Wednesday and drove a rally for U.S. indexes, as Wall Street grew even more convinced long-sought cuts to interest rates will be arriving soon.

64. Fed Chair Powell says September interest rate cut is 'on the table' as inflation cools - Friday, July 26, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday set the stage for the central bank's first rate cut in four years, citing greater progress toward lower inflation as well as a cooler job market that no longer threatens to overheat the economy.

65. Federal Reserve is edging closer to cutting rates. The question will soon be, how fast? - Friday, July 26, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two years after launching an aggressive fight against inflation and one year after leaving its benchmark interest rate at a near-quarter-century high, the Federal Reserve is expected to signal this week that it will likely reduce borrowing costs as soon as September.

66. Fed's preferred inflation gauge cools, adding to likelihood of a September rate cut - Friday, July 26, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve's favored inflation measure remained low last month, bolstering evidence that price pressures are steadily cooling and setting the stage for the Fed to begin cutting interest rates this fall.

67. Harris will carry Biden's economic record into the election. She hopes to turn it into an asset - Friday, July 26, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — A key question is looming for Vice President Kamala Harris as she edges closer to gaining the Democratic presidential nomination: Can she turn the Biden-Harris economic record into a political advantage in a way that President Joe Biden failed to do?

68. Biden's legacy: Far-reaching accomplishments that didn't translate into political support - Friday, July 19, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sitting in the Oval Office behind the iconic Resolute desk in 2022, an animated President Joe Biden described the challenge of leading a psychologically traumatized nation.

The United States had endured a life-altering pandemic. There was a jarring burst of inflation and now global conflict with Russia invading Ukraine, as well as the persistent threat to democracy he felt Donald Trump posed.

69. European Central Bank leaves key interest rate at 3.75%, waits for signs inflation is under control - Friday, July 19, 2024

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The European Central Bank left its key interest rate benchmark unchanged Thursday as its rate-setting council and President Christine Lagarde take their time to make sure stubborn inflation is firmly under control before lowering rates again.

70. Ex-regional Fed president: Inflation headed lower, with interest rates likely to follow - Friday, July 12, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Having worked in the Federal Reserve system her entire career, Loretta Mester rose to become president of the Cleveland Fed for a decade until her retirement on June 30.

During most of her years on the Fed's interest-rate-setting committee, Mester was likely to favor relatively higher interest rates to contain inflation. This stance earned her the label of "hawk," which describes officials who typically worry most about controlling inflation. ("Doves," by contrast, tend to focus more on keeping rates low to maximize employment.)

71. Retail sales unchanged in June from May, underscoring shoppers' resilience - Friday, July 12, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — Shoppers paused their spending in June from May, defying economic forecasts for a pullback and proving their resilience in the face of an uncertain economy

Retail sales were unchanged in June from May, after being revised upward to a 0.3% increase in May, according to the Commerce Department. Last month, April sales were revised downward — a 0.2% decline, from unchanged. Sales rose 0.6% in March and 0.9% in February. That comes after sales fell 1.1% in January, dragged down in part by inclement weather.

72. Wall Street rises to the edge of records as its momentum keeps rolling - Friday, July 12, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks ticked to the edge of records Monday as Wall Street's momentum keeps driving it upward.

The S&P 500 rose 15.87 points, or 0.3%, to 5,631.22 and finished just shy of its all-time high set last week. It's coming off its 10th winning week in the last 12, lifted in large part by expectations that inflation is slowing enough to convince the Federal Reserve to ease interest rates soon.

73. Powell says Federal Reserve is more confident inflation is slowing to its target - Friday, July 12, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Chair Jerome Powell said Monday that the Federal Reserve is becoming more convinced that inflation is headed back to its 2% target and said the Fed would cut rates before the pace of price increases actually reached that point.

74. US inflation cools again, potentially paving way for Fed to cut interest rates soon - Friday, July 12, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation in the United States cooled in June for a third straight month, a sign that the worst price spike in four decades is steadily fading and may soon usher in interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

75. Powell stresses message that US job market is cooling, a possible signal of coming rate cut - Friday, July 5, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday reinforced a message that the Fed is paying growing attention to a slowing job market and not only to taming inflation, a shift that signals it's likely to begin cutting interest rates soon.

76. Wall Street wavers following congressional testimony from Powell - Friday, July 5, 2024

Stocks closed mixed on Wall Street after testimony from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in front of Congress provided little new guidance on the Fed's plans on when it might lower interest rates.

77. Fed's Powell highlights slowing job market in signal that rate cuts may be nearing - Friday, July 5, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve faces a cooling job market as well as persistently high prices, Chair Jerome Powell said in testimony Tuesday, a shift in emphasis away from the Fed's single-minded fight against inflation of the past two years that suggests it is moving closer to cutting interest rates.

78. Federal Reserve highlights its political independence as presidential campaign heats up - Friday, July 5, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve is highlighting the importance of its political independence at a time when Donald Trump, who frequently attacked the Fed's policymaking in the past, edges closer to formally becoming the Republican nominee for president again.

79. US employers added a solid 206,000 jobs in June in a sign of continued economic strength - Friday, July 5, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — America's employers delivered another healthy month of hiring in June, adding 206,000 jobs and once again displaying the U.S. economy's ability to withstand high interest rates.

80. Federal Reserve minutes: Inflation is cooling, but more evidence is needed for rate cuts - Friday, July 5, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve officials at their most recent meeting welcomed recent signs that inflation is slowing and highlighted data suggesting that the job market and the broader economy could be cooling.

81. Wall Street hits more records as Tesla zooms - Friday, June 28, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — Tesla zoomed higher and helped drive the U.S. stock market to more records on Tuesday.

The S&P 500 added 0.6% to top its all-time high set two weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 162 points, or 0.4%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.8% to its own record set a day before.

82. Fed Chair Powell: US inflation is cooling again, though it isn't yet time to cut rates - Friday, June 28, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation in the United States is slowing again after higher readings earlier this year, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Tuesday, while adding that more such evidence would be needed before the Fed would cut interest rates.

83. US job openings rise to 8.1 million despite higher interest rates - Friday, June 28, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. job openings rose slightly to 8.1 million in May despite the impact of higher interest rates intended to cool the labor market.

Vacancies rose from a revised 7.9 million in April, the first reading below 8 million since February 2021, the Labor Department reported Tuesday. April openings were marked down from an originally reported 8.1 million.

84. Wall Street climbs on hopes for coming cuts to interest rates - Friday, June 7, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks climbed Wednesday following a surprisingly encouraging update on inflation and a reassurance that the Federal Reserve still sees a cut to interest rates as likely this year.

85. US inflation cooled in May in sign that price pressures might be easing - Friday, June 7, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation in the United States eased in May for a second straight month, a hopeful sign that an acceleration of prices that occurred early this year may have passed. The trend, if it holds, could move the Federal Reserve closer to cutting its benchmark interest rate from its 23-year peak.

86. Federal Reserve sees some progress on inflation but envisions just one rate cut this year - Friday, June 7, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve officials said Wednesday that inflation has fallen further toward their target level in recent months but signaled that they expect to cut their benchmark interest rate just once this year.

87. Inflation data this week could help determine Fed's timetable for rate cuts - Friday, June 7, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — After Federal Reserve officials meet this week, a statement they will issue may suggest that they've seen meaningful progress on inflation this year — a prelude to eventual interest rate cuts.

88. US hiring and wage growth picked up last month in sign of sustained economic health - Friday, June 7, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — America's employers added a strong 272,000 jobs in May, accelerating from April and a sign that companies are still confident enough in the economy to keep hiring despite persistently high interest rates.

89. Europe Central Bank jumps ahead of the Fed in lowering rates. But future cuts may be limited - Friday, June 7, 2024

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The European Central Bank cut its key interest rate Thursday by a quarter-point, moving ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve as central banks around the world lean toward lowering borrowing costs — a shift with far-reaching consequences for home buyers, savers and investors.

90. An inflation gauge closely tracked by Federal Reserve rises at slowest pace this year - Friday, May 31, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — A price gauge closely tracked by the Federal Reserve cooled slightly last month, a sign that inflation may be easing after running high in the first three months of this year.

91. Cleveland Fed names former Goldman Sachs executive Beth Hammack to succeed Mester as president - Friday, May 24, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Cleveland branch of the Federal Reserve said Wednesday that Beth Hammack, a former executive at investment bank Goldman Sachs, would be its next president effective Aug. 21.

Hammack, 52, worked at Goldman Sachs from 1993 until stepping down earlier this year. She was most recently the cohead of global finance, and has also served as global treasurer and held senior trading roles. Hammack was named a partner in 2010.

92. Inflation pressures lingering from pandemic are keeping Fed rate cuts on pause - Friday, May 24, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hopes for interest rate cuts this year by the Federal Reserve are steadily fading, with a stream of recent remarks by Fed officials underscoring their intention to keep borrowing costs high as long as needed to curb persistently elevated inflation.

93. Long-term mortgage rates ease for third straight week, dipping to just below 7% - Friday, May 24, 2024

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage dipped this week to just below 7% for the first time since mid April, a modest boost for home shoppers navigating a housing market dampened by rising prices and relatively few available properties.

94. Policymakers saw a longer path to rate cuts - Friday, May 17, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — After several unexpectedly high inflation readings, Federal Reserve officials concluded at a meeting earlier this month that it would take longer than they previously thought for inflation to cool enough to justify reducing their key interest rate, now at a 23-year high.

95. Long-term mortgage rates retreat for second straight week, US average at 7.02% - Friday, May 17, 2024

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. fell for the second straight week, giving some relief to home shoppers already facing sky-high prices and a shortage of supply.

The average 30-year rate fell to 7.02% from 7.09% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.39%.

96. US inflation eased last month in the first slowdown of 2024 - Friday, May 10, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Led by lower food and auto prices, inflation in the United States cooled slightly last month after three elevated readings, likely offering a tentative sigh of relief for officials at the Federal Reserve as well as President Joe Biden's re-election team.

97. Wall Street ends higher, sending Nasdaq to a record high - Friday, May 10, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks rose on Wall Street Tuesday, pushing the Nasdaq composite to another record and leaving the S&P 500 sitting just shy of its own all-time high.

The late gains closed out a mostly wobbly day of trading as investors reviewed a mixed report on inflation and await an even more important inflation update on Wednesday. Stocks have been generally gaining ground in May following a dismal April.

98. Fed's Powell downplays potential for a rate hike despite higher price pressures - Friday, May 10, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Tuesday that the central bank is unlikely to raise its key interest rate in response to signs of stubborn inflation and underscored his view that price increases would soon start to cool again.

99. Are US interest rates high enough to beat inflation? The Fed will take its time to find out - Friday, May 10, 2024

WASHINGTON (AP) — The sharp interest rate hikes of the past two years will likely take longer than previously expected to bring down inflation, several Federal Reserve officials have said in recent comments, suggesting there may be few, if any, rate cuts this year.

100. Wall Street rises to pull S&P 500 back within 1% of its record - Friday, May 10, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose Thursday to pull the S&P 500 back within 1% of its record following a rough April.

The S&P 500 rose 26.41 points, or 0.5%, to 5,214.08. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 331.37, or 0.8%, to 39,387.76, and the Nasdaq composite added 43.51, or 0.3%, to 16,346.26.